Beginning with the 2012 election, the district expanded westward and now includes most of Boise, the state capital and largest city.

[3] The district is currently represented by Mike Simpson, a Republican of Idaho Falls.

A former dentist in Blackfoot, he was first elected in 1998; the seat opened when his predecessor Mike Crapo successfully ran for the U.S. Senate.

Following the 1910 census, Idaho gained its second seat in the House; it was first contested in 1912, but the state did not immediately apportion into two districts.

Following the 2010 census and redistricting, the 2nd district was pushed slightly to the west, picking up much of northeast Ada County, including most of Boise.